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Here is a photo of the base of my pre pro with disc hubs that I sold. While there is no paint on the rivet of this base the overall shape etc looks similar to the one being discussed.

I have seen many, many models with different rivets over the years. Sometimes two identical models can have quite different rivets, presumably down to the alignment, or misalignment of the tools used, and also maybe different production lines that might be running at the same time to meet demand. E.G. two 75a identical Ferrari Berlinettas I own have one standard rivet and one which has been stamped to the side, missing half the rivet but still holding the base to the model. Many other such examples are readily found.

The 56a in question would need to be held in hand to make an absolute decision either way, but from what can be seen in the photo, and that includes the same colour on the underside of the wheel arches, I would be more inclined to say it is genuine than not, just my opinion of course

Rob, your opinion is very much valued (as is all members opinions!), but you have had so many models pass through your hands, you are really in a good position to give a good judgement on these matters and as we have all said before, the model in hand is the real test of a model's status.

I have a detail section of the main picture showing the rivet and sadly the actual rivet has not been captured as sharply as the rest of the underside of the model, but I still feel the rivet is too thin around the very top edge and Two small sections of this edge have been damaged and Yellow paint is covering the damaged surface area.
I also notice the shaded area towards the top of the actual countersunk section of the rivet, giving me the impression the countersunk is too smooth as if it had been drilled and those Two damaged areas I mention is the result of the baseplate being forced over the rivet to separate it from the body.

This is what I see from the pictures so far, I am very Happy to be proven wrong, pictures can lie!!

GHOSTHUNTER.

I recognize always when a model is fake, had the model in my hand and i"m convinced that it's a real one. No selfmade or something else.The rivet is smooth and has no unsual defects. Hard to convince everyone if you haven't got the model in hand. For me a thin coat of paint.

I keep seeing blue paint in some of the casting recesses and possibly along the front left windshield edge. Maybe it was painted blue and someone used a solvent to strip that which affected the paint color? Wheels seem to have quite a bit of wear versus relatively nice paint.

Is the front tow slot casting different? Almost seems to have an oval edge inside of a rectangle.

-David

Very interesting colour, the rivet does seem a bit odd but the wear on the wheels compared to the lack of paint chips would worry me as said previously.
I have this picture showing some colours(and faded models) but the one shown here seems to have a dull finish which i do not have, as you have said its easier to check in the hand. J

vetrad wrote:I keep seeing blue paint in some of the casting recesses and possibly along the front left windshield edge. Maybe it was painted blue and someone used a solvent to strip that which affected the paint color? Wheels seem to have quite a bit of wear versus relatively nice paint.

Is the front tow slot casting different? Almost seems to have an oval edge inside of a rectangle.

-David

When I see my brother I will ask to see the model again. Will try to take more pictures and examine for blue paint.

Kurt

Quite interesting so i guess we will have to wait for more close-ups to give a final determination.
numi

After examination : didn't find any blue paint, maybey the flash of the camera that causes that. The wheels are in decend condition confirm to the model. Here are more pictures.

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I still don't like that fully painted rivet. In addition, the paint finish doesn't look very Lesney, and (as already mentioned) the wear to the wheels does not match the state of the paintwork,

Thank's for the extra more detailed pictures and now having seen them I am even more convinced this BMC is a repaint, the wheels certainly have had Silver paint added because it spills into the air-vent areas not normally used for any 'Chroming' during the 'Hot Foil' process.

I still think the rivet has had some attention, so for me this is not an original Lesney produced version, sorry.

GHOSTHUNTER.